UK GAS-Prices down on lower exports, dip in Norwegian flows

LONDON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - British wholesale gas prices fell on Friday morning due to less exports to Europe and slightly lower Norwegian flows. * Within-day gas price was down by 1.53 pence to 45.50 pence/therm at 0723 GMT. * The October contract was 0.50 pence lower at 46.00 p/therm. * Exports through the InterconnectorUK pipeline to continental Europe have dropped to 26 million cubic metres (mcm) from 41 mcm/day on Thursday. * Flows from Norway are slightly lower at 87 mcm/day, compared to 90 mcm on Thursday. * Gas-for-power demand has also declined to 53 mcm/day from 59 mcm the previous day. * Demand is forecast at around 200 mcm and flows at nearly 209 mcm/day, leaving the system 9 mcm over-supplied, National Grid (LSE: NG.L - news) data shows. * Centrica Storage Limited's (CSL (Other OTC: CMXHF - news) ) Rough gas storage site could start withdrawals of its remaining operational stocks next week, along with the cushion gas it has been allowed to convert into working gas. * Based on the firm's withdrawal curve for Rough, the site could start withdrawals at 12 mcm/day. However, if the maximum withdrawal rate is achieevd each day, available stocks could be depleted by early January, Thomson Reuters (Dusseldorf: TOC.DU - news) analysts said. * "Given the discount the October contract holds to the other mid-winter months, we believe that there is a high possibility that CSL won't start withdrawing gas as early as next week," said TR gas analyst Marina Tsygankova. * However, it could be bearish for the market if CSL does start withdrawals next week, she added. * In the Dutch gas market, the day-ahead price at the TTF hub was down 0.40 euro at 17.30 euros per megawatt hour. * The benchmark Dec (Shanghai: 600875.SS - news) -17 EU carbon contract inched up by 0.03 euro to 6.99 euros a tonne. * Thomson Reuters analyst view: http://emea1.apps.cp.extranet.thomsonreuters.biz/cms/?pageid=united-kingdom-gas (Reporting by Nina Chestney)